As Eelzad Kors descended into the dimly lit depths of Orchidia's sewers, he kept his focus sharp, despite the stifling air and the distant echoes of scurrying rats. His lantern cast long shadows against the damp walls, and with each step, his boots sloshed through the murky water.

"Let the hunt begin," Eelzad muttered to himself, pulling a small vial of glowing liquid from his belt—his homemade concoction of magic-infused rat repellent. He carefully placed drops of the solution at strategic intervals, knowing it would drive the rats toward the traps he had set earlier.

At a particularly infested junction, he paused, hearing the scuttling of dozens of tiny feet. With a swift motion, he conjured a sphere of light, which he sent bouncing along the tunnel. The sudden brightness startled the rodents, causing a mass exodus straight into the waiting traps.
"Got you now," Eelzad said with grim satisfaction, sealing the last of the traps before heading back to check on the others.

Emerging from the sewer to address the building infestations, he met with a group of residents, who looked on anxiously.

"Your homes will be next," Eelzad assured them. "But I need your cooperation. Keep your foodstuffs sealed and your floors clear. It’s easier to fight these pests when they don’t have places to hide or meals to scavenge."

One worried citizen, an elderly woman with a stern face, stepped forward. "And what if they come back? What then?"

Eelzad nodded, understanding her fear. "That’s why I’m working with your city planners. We seal today's entry points and repair the old infrastructure. It’s a start—a good start."

With each building he entered, Eelzad repeated his methodical approach. In one particularly large tenement, he faced a stubborn infestation that refused to be driven out. Switching tactics, Eelzad placed himself at the heart of the building, his hands glowing with a soft, pulsing light.
"Come on, then," he called out to the shadows, his voice echoing off the bare walls. "Meet the light."

As the rats surged toward him, he released a controlled burst of Ripple Magic, non-lethal but disorienting to the creatures. Stunned, they were easy to collect and remove from the premises.

After the buildings were secured and the residents were educated on preventative measures, Eelzad met with the city council. He laid out his findings and recommendations with clear maps and documentation.
"We've made significant progress," he explained, pointing to the marked areas on his maps. "But vigilance is key. Regular checks and maintenance, proper waste disposal, and community education will ensure that this problem doesn’t resurface."

As he prepared to leave, the city council members and residents gathered to thank him. "You’ve given us more than just a rat-free city," the council leader said, shaking Eelzad's hand. "You’ve given us the tools to keep it that way."

Eelzad smiled, feeling the weight of the city's relief. "Keep the light shining, Orchidia," he replied. "Darkness—and rats—prefer the shadows."
With that, he gathered his gear, his mission was completed not just by his hands but by his efforts to empower the community.

WC: 535